A dominant Adelaide United side thumped Wellington Phoenix 5-1 to claim third position on the Hyundai A-League table.
Match report by Adam Trombetta
A dominant Adelaide United side thumped Wellington Phoenix 5-1 to claim third position on the Hyundai A-League table.
Jeronimo unleashed a contender for goal of the year and slotted another past Moss, Cirio found space to convert inside of the area, Ferreira struck a forceful snapshot through the glovesman and into the top corner and Mabil found an easy tap in to complete Adelaide-s rout of a disappointing Wellington side. They did find a consolation through Kenny Cunningham, however, his forceful strike finding a way past Galekovic.
Adelaide-s passing game proved too much for the Phoenix as they struggled with their own shape while Adelaide-s foreign contingent moved too fast into attack.
Djite made alarm bells ring early for the visitors as he found himself shooting from close range inside the first three minutes – a last dip of the hand from Moss kept the game deadlocked.
But it wasn-t long after that when an incredible volley from Jeronimo and a calm finish from Cirio rocked Coopers Stadium and put the Reds up within half an hour of play.
The Phoenix struggled to keep up with Adelaide-s passing play throughout the first half and the second half was as equally frustrating for them.
Fabio Ferreira wrecked havoc with his quick feet and pace for large parts of the game down the right flank and on the 59th minute he reaped the rewards for his efforts; a quick snapshot flew into the top left corner and gave the Reds a comfortable lead.
Three minutes later the Reds added another to their tally when goal scorer Ferreira turning provider for Jeronimo who bundled in a wicked cross with little pressure, making it four after an hour.
Adelaide-s defence was just as dominant as their forwards were as they were not only successful in silencing Carlos Hernandez and key striker Stein Huysegems, but their transition into attack was critical for the many chances the Reds had.
The Phoenix did manage to find a consolation however, when Kenny Cunningham-s wild shot from distance found its way through many bodies and past Galekovic.
Their frustration throughout culminated however, with the sending off of key defender Manny Muscat after receiving his second yellow card of the match.
The Reds still looked eager to attack when Josep brought on young gun Mabil who was in search of his second goal of the season against the New Zealand side.
After coming close numerous times in his 40 minutes of play he found a breakthrough, albeit a chance most wouldn-t miss, and rounded out an astounding 5-1 win for Adelaide United.
An in-form Reds side travels north next week to take on league leaders Brisbane Roar as they look to cement their spot in the finals.
Attendance: 8,596
